NCC Moves Closer to Free Educational Internet Access as Stakeholders Endorse Zero-Rated Initiative
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has secured broad support from government institutions, telecommunications operators, development partners and education stakeholders for its proposed Zero-Rated Access Initiative aimed at providing free internet access to accredited educational platforms across Nigeria.
Stakeholders gave their backing during a public consultation, describing the initiative as a significant step toward expanding digital inclusion, improving internet connectivity and ensuring that students and learners have equitable access to quality educational resources regardless of their location or financial circumstances.
The consultation brought together representatives of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Federal Ministry of Education, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), uLesson Group and other critical stakeholders.
Participants emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, telecom operators, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other industry players to guarantee the initiative’s success. They also stressed the need for continuous investment in network expansion and digital infrastructure to provide affordable, reliable and high-quality internet connectivity nationwide.
Speaking at the opening of the consultation, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed that the industry committee set up for the project had carefully examined its technical, regulatory, policy and commercial implications before producing a consultation paper to guide stakeholder engagement.
Represented by the Commission’s Director of Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Ayuba Shuaibu, Maida said meaningful contributions from stakeholders were essential to developing a practical framework that reflects industry realities while supporting Nigeria’s educational aspirations.
He explained that network operators, educational institutions, content providers, government agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, teachers, students and members of the public all have important roles to play in shaping a transparent, fair and sustainable regulatory framework.
According to him, the Zero-Rated Access Initiative demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to leveraging digital technology to improve access to education and bridge the country’s digital divide.
Maida said the programme seeks to eliminate internet access barriers by enabling learners to access accredited educational platforms and content without data charges or through specially supported access arrangements.
He added that the initiative forms part of the NCC’s broader strategy to promote inclusive digital participation while supporting national educational development.
The consultation also enabled participants to review the proposed implementation framework and provide recommendations on technical, legal, regulatory, commercial and operational issues that would strengthen the programme.
Discussions covered governance structures, consumer protection, eligibility criteria for educational platforms, operational guidelines and accreditation standards for educational content that would qualify for zero-rated access.
The Commission noted that stakeholders’ submissions and recommendations would play a critical role in refining the framework and developing an effective implementation roadmap for the nationwide rollout of the initiative.
Cover Photo Caption, From left: Dr Yinka Ayorinde, UNESCO Representative, Abuja office, Hajjia Zainab Abubakar Sulieman, Director ICT, Federal Ministry of Education; Mr Ayuba Shuaibu, Director Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, Nigerian Communications Commission; Mr Emmanuel Udo Udiok, Representative of Federal Ministry of Communications Innovation and Digital Economy; and Mr Enje Egede, Senior Manager Instructional Design, U-Lesson Group; during the Stakeholders Consultation Forum on Zero-Rated Access on Educational Platforms/ Content in Abuja. on Tuesday.
